EDUCATION & OUTREACH COORDINATOR - SOLID WASTE

Under general supervision of the Solid Waste Administrator, primarily responsible for formulating, expanding, implementing, and maintaining education programs, outreach activities, and public relations for the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission’s (Commission) service area. Other duties include performing administrative and supervisory tasks as directed. 

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform assigned tasks. 
• Carries out activities to educate the public of options and consequences of their solid waste management decisions, using the waste hierarchy as a guideline, proper disposal of waste materials and recycling techniques, by:
  • Planning, developing, scheduling, and presenting public education programs through lesson plans.
  • Selecting and creating educational materials and presentation methods for . 
  • Assisting with commercial recycling education through facility visits, tours, conducting seminars, and waste audits.
• Coordinates and supervises community outreach activities, special events, and campaigns aimed at promoting public awareness and strengthening community partnerships, by:
  • Conducting presentations and seminars related to solid waste management and environmental implications to schools, interested organizations, and community groups primarily in Black Hawk County. 
  • Working with other governmental, non-profit, and private entities in support of waste reduction.
  • Representing the Commission by participating in meetings outside agencies, the general public, state and national organizations. 
• Enhances public awareness and interest of programs and services, by:
  • Developing promotional communications, digital campaigns, and content for website, social media pages, and other platforms.
  • Researching fresh, creative messages and curricula to educate targeted audiences.
  • Promoting the use of the education center and maintaining responsibility for display development, design, and upkeep.
  • Writes, edits, proofs and distributes communications as requested, such as newspaper articles, media news releases, social media posts, public service announcements, requests for proposals, and other materials.
•  Handles other administrative tasks and responsibilities as required by the position, including:
  • Assisting with the preparation of reports and statistics for member communities, Commission, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and others as directed.
  • Creating and distributing surveys or other data collection sources to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of education programs, outreach activities and promotional campaigns.
  • Researching waste management and recycling trends and provide recommendations to Administrator and Commission.
  • Assisting in community and regional planning efforts and completing written progress reports on a periodic basis. 
  • Categorizing, packaging, and maintaining records of household hazardous waste in preparation for shipping.
  • Other duties as assigned.

• Administrative and functional supervision is received from the Solid Waste Administrator. 
• Supervisory over volunteers, Americorps or support staff during special events or as directed. 

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, elementary or secondary education, or related field and at least one year of related work experience preferred; OR any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Must have current driver's license valid in the State of Iowa and be insurable under the County's guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking, conducting presentations and training events is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience working with and engaging elementary and secondary students in an educational environment preferred.

• Knowledge of local, regional and environmental practices.   
• Knowledge of State education standards, core curriculum and other education standards.
• Knowledge of solid waste collection, disposal and recycling methods, including best practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office (including Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher) and website publishing (Word press).
• Knowledge of precautions necessary to work safely with and around automotive and public works equipment.
• Proficient in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and other Microsoft programs. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Demonstrated reliability and attention to detail, excel at follow-through, ability to prioritize and motivation to learn new skills on the job. 
• Ability to condense and repackage information in a manner easily understood by a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to apply child and adult education strategies.
• Ability to provide recommendations for marketing strategies to elected officials and departments across the county.
• Ability to adhere to brand identity and create brand-focused content.
• Ability to analyze data, conduct research and evaluate marketing and communication campaigns and activities.
• Ability to manage time efficiently, self-direct work, organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to operate modern office equipment and computer hardware.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with county employees of all levels, outside agencies, and the general public in a personable and professional manner in all forms of communication.
• Must be proficient in all Microsoft Windows and other computer software applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with community, stakeholders, clients, and co-workers.  

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.

• Work is performed indoors but requires frequent travel from one location to another to perform essential duties.
• Position requires frequent use of office equipment such as computers, telephones, copier and fax machines.
• Position requires frequent interaction with the public, employees, and outside agencies. 
• Position requires frequent exposure to undesirable conditions which may include dust, dirt, fumes, heat, and cold environments.
• Position requires use of hands, fingers, arms and legs, regular to frequent walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying of light to moderate equipment or objects up to 50 lbs.

Salary : $55,236 - $74,568